Developing a risk assessment process of ANSI B77: concepts, challenges, and objectives

Abstract

In spring of 2008, at the NSAA National Convention in San Francisco, California, an objective was established by the B77 committee to develop a modern risk assessment process that would be conducive to the needs and culture of the passenger ropeway transportation industry. The objective for this risk assessment process is to provide a structured methodology for manufacturers, engineers, and operators to effectively estimate and evaluate risks associated with passenger ropeway utilization, such that consistent risk mitigation processes and modern functional systems could be effectively employed. An Ad Hoc committee was assembled to commence development on this process. After one year of development activity, respectable progress towards this objective has been made, and a draft version of this process will soon be submitted to the full ANSI B77 committee for draft ballot. This paper will provide a basis for the concepts that have been employed in the process thus far, including the challenges that have surfaced as well as the challenges that lie ahead. In addition, the concept of modern functional safety system design will be discussed in order to support the alignment of this risk assessment process with modern functional safety design standards. The preliminary risk assessment document, Draft Annex-J, is attached as part of this document to support the topic of the paper.